Frequently Asked Questions

How should we prepare our property to show at its best for Inspections and Photos?

Here are some tips to assist with showing the property at its best

Outside• Remove and store hoses, mowers, rakes and other yard work items.
• Remove cars/motor bikes from the driveway and carport. Please park cars away from home.
• Place wheelie bins out of sight or tuck them away as best as possible.
• Store bicycles, toys and other personal items.
• Pool cleaning equipment should be stored, such as hoses and creepy crawly.
• Remove washing from the clothes line.
• Lawns should be mown, weeds removed and garden waste, such as leaves, raked and swept.
• Walkways, porches and areas for sitting should also be swept.
• Windows should be free of dirt.
• Animal droppings should be cleaned up.

Kitchen• Remove all photos, magnets and items from fridges. This includes items stacked on top.
• Wash and store all dishes and give the sink a good scrub.
• Remove dish or tea towels from handles and store.
• Put away items such as cook books.
• Store rubbish and recycling bins out of sight.
• Remove small carpets.
• Clear benches of small appliances and personal items and store them

Bedrooms • All beds should be made, with stuffed animals or other items removed and stored.
• Put away bedside items such as books, reading glasses, creams and other personal items.
• All clothing and toys should be put away in drawers or robes.

Pets – If Applicable• Please have energetic dogs on a leash or take them for a walk while photographer is working.

We are thinking of placing our property on the market in the near future. Would you explain what a vendor’s (seller’s) statement is?

The Vendor Statement also known as a Section 32 was introduced in 1983. The law precludes a purchaser and Vendor (Seller) from entering into a legally binding contract for the transfer of real estate until the Vendor (Seller) provides certain written information about the property by completing a Vendor’s Statement.

This statement must be signed by the vendors (sellers) or their representative and supplied to the purchaser for their signature before the contract/contract note is signed. The statement should be prepared promptly, professionally and accurately to avoid delaying the sale.

In most cases only one document, a copy of the Certificate of Title (or proof of the vendor’s right to sell), must be attached to the statement. Other information contained on the statement may include any restrictions on the property such as easements and covenants, rates and other outgoings, zoning information and any notices, orders or approved proposals affecting the land.

If the vendor’s statement is proven to contain false or misleading information, the purchaser may rescind the contract at any time before accepting Title or becoming entitled to possession.

If you’re thinking of selling in the near future I suggest you immediately discuss preparing a Vendor’s Statement with your legal advisor.

Can you advise us of any cost effective tips on how to prepare our home for sale?

First impressions count and it is often a case of `love at first sight’! Vendors (sellers) are familiar with their home and may overlook the finer aspects of presentation when preparing their home for sale. Be objective. Wander through your home as though you are the potential buyer. Minor repairs and cosmetic touches can make an enormous difference. Do the carpets need cleaning? You may consider replacing any tired window furnishings.

Everybody has “the jobs they love to hate” but now is the time to repair torn flywire screens, replace cracked glass, burnt out light globes and fix the front door bell. Attend to squeaky floors and doors that stick. Replace washers on leaking taps. Repair cracked plaster and touch up chipped paint. Consider repainting interior walls if they are dull or dirty as a few litres of paint and a weekend's work can add thousands of dollars to your home. Neutral colours will appeal to the majority of buyers.

Make the home appear as large, bright and well-kept as you possibly can. Reduce any clutter and store excess furniture to create a more spacious feeling.

Your check should not be restricted to indoors. An outdoor clean-up campaign is essential. Straighten out the garage, mow the lawn and trim edges. A few punnets of flowers will add a dash of colour in the garden and sensible pruning can enhance a view or allow more natural light into the home.

By attending to these details you will create a favourable impression and your efforts will be rewarded by obtaining the maximum price.

If there are any particular aspects of preparing your home for sale that you wish to discuss, please feel free to contact me personally.

My brother and I are executors of an estate and we are nervous about making an incorrect decision regarding the sale of the property. What are some of the benefits of a sale by auction?

There are many benefits to the auction method of sale. A well organised auction program creates maximum exposure and is recognised as a highly successful method of sale. Potential purchasers must attend the auction and act decisively if they are genuinely interested. Your price is not revealed, therefore potential purchasers judge the property and not the price. Drawing together a number of interested parties at one time ensures a competitive environment and there is nothing quite like competition to achieve the maximum price.

Other advantages to an auction are that it is an unconditional cash contract and the successful purchaser must immediately sign the contract and pay the deposit on your terms and conditions. There is no cooling off period with an auction. The auction method establishes true market value and is considered a proper and business like method of selling, especially relevant in your circumstances as a co-executor.

If you would like an obligation free discussion about the auction method of sale and our personal approach to auctions, please contact me personally.

How do we best present our home for inspections?

Most prospective buyers that inspect your property are searching for a `home’, not just a house. As the kitchen and bathroom are two key areas in the home, ensure that they are fresh and clean. Bedrooms should be tidy and without items of clothing on view.

Open the curtains and blinds allowing in natural lighting. When the home is available for inspection in the evening, lighting is like a welcome sign and will give the property added warmth. Turn them all on, especially the external lighting.

It is preferable that no household members are present during inspections as potential buyers may feel like intruders and hurry through your home. Keep your family pets out of the house and contained until the inspection is over. As much as you love them, they may be an unwelcome concern to purchasers inspecting the property.

Turn off the television, turn on soft background music, add fresh flowers, and a pleasant fragrance (perhaps an oil burner). Pre-set heating and cooling (or an open fire) will all help to create a more inviting atmosphere.

It is essential that the salesperson and purchasers be allowed to talk freely without disturbance or interruption.